Incredible Opportunity, Very Enjoyable Past Review

By (University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 01/20/2013 to 06/02/2013 with

UC3M / Universidad Carlos III de Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My spanish skills improved a lot, I learned a little about business and history, I travelled and met a lot of interesting people, it was absolutely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Exchange: Madrid - Universidad Carlos III Photo Exchange: Madrid - Universidad Carlos III Photo Exchange: Madrid - Universidad Carlos III Photo Exchange: Madrid - Universidad Carlos III Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live cheaply, buy groceries

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I took all of my classes in Spanish, so I had to use the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish Conversation - 3000
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to people.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Flexibility
  • Friendly Students
  • Travelling
* What could be improved?
  • Better interaction with exchange students from the beginning.
  • Clearer expectations from professors
  • A better website.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spanish.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'